## Computer
Mac Windows or Linux either system will work fine. However, whichever one picks, will influence the range of software options that is available.

Mac systems are often used in music studios due to due to reduced driver configuration time and some consideration for the fact that Windows is more likely to crash Windows crashes often centre around improper configuration and initial setup. Linux is free and quite accessible just as good an option as Mac or Windows. Ultimately, whichever works best for ones setup is fine, because software and computer can only do so much. 

The condition of the record and how well the turntable is set up are more important.

## Recording Software
The most common software for recording is [Audacity](https://audacityteam.org), but since the project has been worked on by Muse group, there has been [questionable decisions](https://bbc.com/news/technology-57721967) about the software, mostly related to cloud saves. Thankfully, a fork has been made called [Tenacity](https://tenacityaudio.org) which does not have Muse cloud saving options. Whichever option one goes for, Audacity and Tenacity are available for all 3 platforms.

There is no need to pay for a DAW  (digital audio workstation) such as Ableton, however if one has it and is more convenient to use, then by all means use it. Sony Sound forge is another option for recording into, but as its a paid option, it may seam a little overkill.

There is also dedicated software made specifically for recording vinyl such as [Vinyl Studio](https://alpinesoft.co.uk) and [Pure Vinyl](https://channld.com/purevinyl). These tools have a `.wav` file editor like audacity, and have a more complex capability to tag and cut tracks, as well as de-noise and de-click. However, it can be cumbersome to select and edit therefore, it can be helpful to export the audio to work on, in another software package. These are another options, but as with the [equipment.md](equipment page), it is better to break down the workflow and tasks into smaller modules as each module can do 1 thing and do it well and thus reduce points of failure.

By all means it is personal preference, what's available and what system one is using. There is no harm in trying one audio editor and then switching something else that may make the workflow easier or have a different setup improvement.

## Audio Cleanup
There are two dedicated software options for audio cleanup: [ClickRepair](https://web.archive.org/web/20180315111555/http://www.clickrepair.net) and [iZotope RX](https://izotope.com/en/products/rx). ClickRepair is a paid option, though the program and website seem to be abandoned. IZotope RX is a paid software available for both Windows and Mac, and it is highly regarded in professional audio restoration. When cleaning up audio, it’s crucial to avoid applying filters or algorithms to an entire track, album, or side. Instead, perform repairs on the smallest possible segments to maintain sound quality. Start with pop and click removal before addressing other issues.

If you prefer not to invest in iZotope, Audacity offers a free alternative for basic audio repairs. After using pop and click filters, you can use Audacity's built-in repair function for any remaining aberrant sounds. While it may not offer the same advanced features as paid options, Audacity can still effectively clean up smaller imperfections in your recordings. Always edit and work with your audio in `.wav`, and don't save to `.flac` until you are done working on the audio.

## Tagging
Once one has the audio files ideally saved in 24bit 96khz at least, once can now tag using mp3tag with information from Discogs and Musicbrainz Picard. Either option is personal preference and what's available. But the important part is that as long the files are tagged with info from either source, means that other tools such as Jellyfin and Plex can display the right metadata.

## Lineage
The final part is to write out a Lineage file. This is a file that describes the equipment, setup and software workflow used in transferring a vinyl to digital source. [reading-lineage.md](More info).
